If you have been searching for that ultimate, comforting, and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is it. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that balances crispy, golden chicken cutlets with rich, homemade marinara sauce and a luscious blend of melted cheeses. Every bite offers a delicious harmony of textures and flavors, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser and a wonderful dish to pull out for family dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward and all work together beautifully to create an unforgettable dish. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s the flavorful simmered marinara that coats the chicken or the crispy panko crust that adds crunch and texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a rich base for the sauce, adding fruity depth and smoothness.
- Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and body to the marinara sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses aroma and savory notes essential for a vibrant sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: The tomatoey heart of the marinara, bringing acidity and freshness.
- Basil sprigs: Adds herbal brightness and a fresh aroma to the sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Panko bread crumbs: Gives the chicken a satisfyingly light, crispy crust.
- Garlic powder: Amplifies the savory notes in the breading.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, umami richness; used in both breading and topping.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Eggs: Binds the breading ingredients together for that golden crust.
- Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets: The star protein; tender and quick-cooking.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully with the Parmesan for a gooey topping.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Neutral oil perfect for frying without overpowering flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil: A fresh, eye-pleasing garnish that adds lively herbal notes.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Marinara Sauce
Start by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a medium pot on medium heat. This will be the flavorful base for your sauce. Once warm, add the finely chopped onion and garlic, delicately sautéing them on low heat. This slow cooking draws out their natural sweetness while creating a fragrant foundation. After about 10 minutes, uncover and continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent, which brings that rich, tender texture everyone loves in homemade sauce. Next, pour in crushed tomatoes and toss in a couple of sprigs of fresh basil. Let it reach a gentle boil, then simmer for 30 minutes to develop layers of flavor. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then fish out the basil and set your sauce aside as it thickens and concentrates its essence.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations
This step is key to getting that crisp, golden exterior. Set up three separate shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with a tablespoon of water, and one with panko bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder and a full cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Each bowl has a special role in the breading process, ensuring the coating adheres perfectly to the chicken and crisps up wonderfully when fried.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Take each chicken cutlet, pat it dry to remove excess moisture, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Coat each piece first in flour to create a dry surface for the egg to cling to. Next, dip it in the egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick better. Finally, press the cutlets firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture for that signature crunchy coating you’re aiming for. This triple-dip process is where the magic happens, producing that delightful contrast between crispy crust and juicy chicken inside.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Heat your oil in a deep pot until it reaches about 350°F—a perfect frying temperature that keeps the chicken juicy without absorbing too much oil. Fry each breaded cutlet for around one minute on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding your pan for even cooking and maintain crispiness. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil, keeping it nice and crunchy while you prepare the next steps.
Step 5: Broil with Sauce and Cheese
Turn on your broiler and get ready for the crowning moment. Spread a generous spoonful of your homemade marinara sauce over each piece of fried chicken. Then top with a luscious mix of shredded mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan. Pop them under the broiler just long enough for the cheese to melt, bubble, and develop that irresistible golden layer that defines Chicken Parmesan. This final step beautifully melds all the elements together for a spectacular finish.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can make all the difference, so sprinkle freshly chopped basil over each chicken piece right before serving. This vibrant herb adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet aroma that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. A little basil goes a long way in elevating presentation and flavor simultaneously.
Side Dishes
Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices like spaghetti tossed in olive oil or extra marinara sauce create a comforting, cohesive meal. For some lighter balance, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes or buttery polenta are also fantastic options to round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or mix things up, serve your Chicken Parmesan atop a bed of sautéed spinach or zoodles for a low-carb twist. You can also layer it in a baking dish with extra sauce and cheese for a crowd-pleasing casserole-style feast. For individual servings, use small cast iron skillets or charming oven-safe dishes to serve directly from the oven—warm plates keep everything cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store sauce and chicken separately if possible to preserve the crispness of the breading. Before reheating, bring the chicken to room temperature for even warming.
Freezing
This Chicken Parmesan Recipe reheats well after freezing. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Chicken Parmesan lasts up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F to restore the crisp breading and thoroughly warm the chicken and sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy. Approximately 15–20 minutes should do the trick, depending on portion size.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cutlets on hand, slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces and pound them gently to even thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, perfect for breading and frying.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While frying gives a crispier crust, baking is a lighter option and still delicious with this recipe.
Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The marinara sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to develop even more depth and richness.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella?
Provolone or fontina are great alternatives that melt well and offer a mild, creamy flavor similar to mozzarella. Just be sure to use a good-quality cheese for the best results.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy after frying?
Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows excess oil to drip away, keeping the crust crispy. Also, avoid covering the chicken immediately so steam doesn’t soften the breading.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and indulgence that feels like a festive celebration of comfort food. With its crispy crust, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s an absolute joy to prepare and share. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a delicious classic that brings smiles and satisfied appetites every time.
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Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a classic family favorite featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella-Parmesan cheese. The homemade marinara is simmered to perfection with fresh basil and garlic, making this dish comforting and full of bold Italian flavors. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 large sprigs basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Breading Mixture
- 1 c. panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 c. finely grated Parmesan, divided
Chicken Breading
- 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 6 (1/4″-thick) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 lb. total)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping and Frying
- 1 c. shredded mozzarella
- 1 c. vegetable or canola oil
- Chopped fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Marinara Sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, stir to combine, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Onion: Uncover the pot and continue cooking until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and basil sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then discard the basil sprigs.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Set aside. In a separate bowl, place the flour. In a third bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Bread the Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dip each piece first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: Mix the shredded mozzarella with the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Also, set a wire rack on a baking sheet for draining the fried chicken.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken cutlets in the hot oil until they are golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the fried chicken to the wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Broil the Chicken: Preheat the broiler. Spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce over each piece of fried chicken, sprinkle with the mozzarella-Parmesan cheese mixture, and broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Divide the finished chicken among plates, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve with the remaining marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip in the egg wash and panko mixture.
- Substitute fresh basil in the sauce and garnish for the best flavor.
- Serve with spaghetti or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
